Inside Lumo, the new all-electric train that will take you from London to Edinburgh for less than £20
THE new fully-electric train Lumo has launched today, with passengers able to travel from London all the way to Edinburgh for just £19.90.
With “fares that are fair”, the budget service will be giving even the lowest-cost airlines like easyJet and Ryanair a run for their money.
Calling at Stevenage, Morpeth and Newcastle, the journey takes just over four and a half hours, which makes it a speedy alternative to flying when factoring in lengthy airport waits and security checks.
Fares will remain low, say Lumo bosses, with available for less than £20 until December 12 while 60 per cent of single fares will be available for under £30.
You’ll have to be quick though as the earlier you buy, the less you’ll pay, says Helen Wylde, Managing Director for Lumo.
“Travelling in the UK should not cost a fortune and it certainly shouldn’t be the planet that pays,” she said.
“Whatever your preferred mode of transport, we are likely to be more affordable and kinder to the planet.”
This doesn’t mean cramped seats and smelly toilets though - inside carriages are fairly spacious and seats have lots of legroom.
Passengers can personalise the lighting via a button on the back of the seat in front, and devices will be kept fully charged with plug sockets and USB ports behind each chair.
There are large headrests and a pull-down tray table - much like your average train, only everything’s a little bit roomier - although there will be no first-class seats.
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Those who do want to travel with a bit of luxury though can pay for a luggage-delivery service that will allow passengers to drop off their bags on departure and collect it at the other end.
The train is run entirely on electricity and hopes to make green travel affordable to the masses.
As well as reducing carbon emissions, the service has paperless ticketing, recycled uniforms and a 50 per cent plant-based menu on-board which can either be pre-ordered or bought on the day from the at-seat catering trolley.
The departure of Lumo’s inaugural service comes a few days ahead of the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow and has already attracted a great number of passengers who are looking to cut their carbon footprint.
But with train travel often more costly than plane fares, families are regularly forced to pick between the budget option.
This is something that Lumo is hoping to change, by keeping carriages full so that ticket prices can be cut back, says Helen Wylde.
“We want people to come away from planes and cars and use public transport. If you want people to be green you shouldn’t have to pay a premium to do that.”
Anyone travelling from Paris will be able to make their journey more affordable and sustainable too when they travel by Eurostar which now has tickets for just £39.
